Who is Svitzer?

Svitzer is a leading global towage operator with multiple local operations across four regions and 30+ countries, and we make our global reach matter to our customers.

What do tug boats do?

A tug or more commonly a tugboat is a secondary boat which helps in mooring or berthing operation of a ship by either towing or pushing a vessel towards the port. A tug is a special class of boat without which mega-ships cannot get into a port.

How fast can a tugboat go?

This towboat has a length of more than 80 m and can carry a crew of around 16–20 persons. They can run when light at speeds of up to 15 knots. Towboats are often described in terms of horsepower, in most cases this is in range from 4000 to 22,000 HP, but this can be misleading.

How much fuel does a tugboat use?

Modern tugs, with power ratings of 3,000 to 5,000 hp, burn large amounts of fuel when operating at full rpm — anywhere from 100 to 200 gallons per hour for a harbor tug pushing against a ship, or up to 3,000 to 5,000 gallons per day when towing a loaded barge in ocean conditions.

How much does a tugboat cost?

Tugboat companies deal in large sums: the bill to dock a tanker can run from $15,000 to more than $50,000 depending on a number of variables. Captains may earn six-figure salaries, and a new tugboat can cost more than $10 million.

Why do tugboats spray water?

Boats typically spit out water to keep the bilge free of water. Water builds up over time inside the bilge and the bilge pump automatically pumps the water out again. Often, when boats are spitting out water, it is because they are expelling water that has built up in the bilge of the ship.

Is working on a tugboat a good job?

Tugboats are an essential part of the maritime industry, as they help enormous ships and barges make their way through challenging waterways. It’s a highly skilled profession and offers stable, well-paying employment as you work your way up the ranks.